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In partnership with center director Shaun Travers, he developed a training for other academic advisors on how to best support transgender and nonbinary students during their academic career. He went on to earn a master’s degree in postsecondary educational leadership and spent more than a decade serving as an academic counselor at UC San Diego for students in Sixth College, Revelle College and ERC. The experience truly transformed Anan’s life not only did he meet his wife (who had also been an intern at the center) and start a family, but he also discovered a passion for higher education. “Before then, I didn't have the space or the words or the supportive community to do that and be able to say proudly that I was a Bisexual/Fluid Transman.” “I knew college was where I wanted to begin exploring my identity and who I've always known I was,” said Anan.
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He enrolled at the university in 2002 as an undergraduate and began to volunteer at the center, later becoming an intern and leader of several student organizations. Graduating doctoral student and former UC San Diego staff member Baramee Peper Anan also conveyed that he was shaped into the person he is today thanks to the people he met and the self-knowledge he gained at the LGBT Resource Center. Graduating doctoral student and former staff member Baramee Peper Anan was honored with a traditional hooding ceremony after completing a joint doctoral degree through UC San Diego and CSU San Marcos. He is dedicated to understanding the powers that shape our civilization, and how young countries such as the U.S. Since completing his master’s degree in international relations and politics at the School of Global Policy & Strategy, Xu would like to pursue a career with a think tank or an international organization involving outreach and research. Xu’s key messages centered on his strong mission to make a difference in the United States and defend U.S. Xu was chosen by peers to be the Rainbow Graduation student keynote speaker “I’m over the moon I was excited to have the chance,” he said. “It’s a place where everybody can show their most vulnerable sides and truly be themselves.” “There are no strangers at the LGBT Resource Center,” said Xu. Graduate student Emerson Xu recalls feeling instant belonging when he first visited the center. Some bonds were forged among residents of the LGBTQIA+ Living Learning Community, while others developed strong friendships-or even life partnerships-as interns at the LGBT Resource Center. Though representing many identities within the queer community, a warm sense of connection emanated around the room during the event. Graduate student Emerson Xu was chosen by peers to be the Rainbow Graduation student keynote speaker and shared that he would like to make a difference in the United States. Each graduate was recognized individually, including details about their UC San Diego involvement and future plans, and received a certificate and rainbow-colored tassel to embellish their cap at All Campus Commencement. Simmons and Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Becky R. Khosla, Executive Vice Chancellor Elizabeth H. The celebration included remarks from Chancellor Pradeep K. “So many folks are taking what they learned here and giving it back to their community, which is incredible.” “The best part of the event was hearing about each student's favorite memories and where they are going next after reflecting on what they gained from being part of UC San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ community,” said Shaun Travers, director of the LGBT Resource Center.
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The event, called Rainbow Graduation, was hosted by the university’s LGBT Resource Center to honor the achievements of 115 undergraduate and graduate students. Khosla speaking at Rainbow Graduation.īrightly colored streamers marked the way to the Stage Room on Saturday morning where a record number of graduates who identify as LGBTQIA+ gathered to celebrate the completion of their UC San Diego degree. Celebrations of PrideĬhancellor Pradeep K. Photos by Erik Jepsen, University Communications. Kaitlyn Avila, a former LGBT Resource Center intern and current student assistant in the Office for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, receives her celebratory certificate upon completion of her degrees in communication and international studies.